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In a recent interview, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards heaped praise on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker for his outstanding performance during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Edwards, who played alongside Booker on Team USA, highlighted Booker’s versatility and selflessness as key factors in their gold medal victory.
A Standout Performance
During the 2024 Olympics, Devin Booker showed his ability to adapt and excel in various roles. Known for his scoring skills in the NBA, Booker took on a more defensive and supportive role for Team USA. He averaged 11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, while also playing a crucial part in the team’s defensive schemes.
Edwards was particularly impressed with Booker’s defensive efforts. “Steph [Curry] had great games, KD [Kevin Durant] had great games, LeBron [James] had great games, but Book was guarding the best player, turning down shots. Not gonna lie, I was impressed watching him,” Edwards said during his appearance at Fanatics Fest.
Key Moments
One of the standout moments of Booker’s Olympic performance came during the gold medal game against France. With Team USA leading 90-84 in the final quarter, Booker made an important play by driving to the basket and collapsing the defense, creating an opportunity for Stephen Curry to score. This play shifted the momentum in favor of Team USA and helped secure their victory.
Unsung Hero
Despite NBA legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry surrounding him, Booker emerged as an unsung hero for Team USA. His willingness to embrace a role-player position and focus on defense and playmaking earned him high praise from both teammates and coaches. Head coach Steve Kerr described Booker as “incredible this entire run” and “kind of our unsung MVP”.
Future Implications
Booker’s performance in the Olympics could have significant implications for his role with the Phoenix Suns. While he has been a dominant scorer in the NBA, his ability to excel in a more supportive role could make him an even more valuable asset for the Suns. As the team looks to bounce back from last year’s first-round playoff exit, Booker’s improved two-way play could be a game-changer.
Conclusion
Anthony Edwards’ praise for Devin Booker underscores the latter’s growth as a player and his importance to Team USA’s success. Booker’s ability to adapt and excel in different roles highlights his versatility and commitment to winning. As both players continue to develop their careers, their experiences from the 2024 Olympics will undoubtedly shape their future performances in the NBA.
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